Back in Grade 10, Dylan Mortensen was merely 5-foot-8 and not exactly future front-row material in the volleyball world.

By Grade 12, he sprouted up to 6-foot-4.

Now, as a member of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s volleyball team, he’s up to 6-foot-6 and 190 pounds.

“I kind of had a late growth spurt that helped me out a little bit,” says Mortensen, whose Huskies play host to the University of British Columbia-Okanagan Heat in Canada West conference matches Friday and Saturday night (8 p.m.) at the PAC.

After sitting on the sidelines last season as a red-shirt, Mortensen has certainly grown as a volleyball player. He’s posting veteran-like numbers for the Huskies as the fights for a playoff berth in the Canada West conference.

Dylan Mortensen, who is one of the top rookies in Canada West, sits for a portrait in the Huskies Mens Volleyball team room at the University of Saskatchewan PAC in Saskatoon, SK on Thursday, January 25, 2018.Kayle Neis /
Saskatoon StarPhoenix

For Mortensen, it’s been well worth the wait.

“I think red-shirting was, for sure, worth it, getting into the weight room and getting my body ready for next level,” says Mortensen, who has added about 25 pounds of muscle since joining the Huskies. “Any weight I put on during has really helped.”

Mortensen, a native of Swift Current, leads the Huskies with 212 kills through 18 matches. He’s added 85 digs, 13 service aces and he’s had his hand in 23 blocks.

“He’s in the top 10-15 in the Canada West league in kills and kills per set and total points. And he’s leading all rookies in those categories.

“He’s having a heck of a year.”

Mortensen, who played high school and club volleyball down in Swift Current before joining the Huskies under-18 program, says U Sports volleyball has been a “huge” adjustment.

“A totally faster game and a lot more developed (with bigger) players and guys striving towards the same goals of winning,” admits Mortensen, who is ranked seventh in the Canada West conference for total kills.

“I put in a lot of hard work last year and to get those numbers sure feels like I’ve achieved a good goal and it’s for sure surprising that I’ve gotten this much playing time. I certainly didn’t expect that going into the season.”

University of Saskatchewan Huskies Colin Fraser attempts to block a shot against the University of Regina Cougars in CIS Men’s Volleyball action on Saturday, February 20th, 2016.Liam Richards /
Saskatoon StarPhoenix

It’s a relatively young Huskies squad with only one graduating fifth-year player in setter Troy Wiebe.

There are 11 players on the roster in their first, second or third year.

“Communication with my teammates in really developing that team cohesion,” Mortensen says as the key to his development. “It’s gone a long way for me so far.”

Gavlas says that Mortensen’s body length and jumping ability are his two biggest attributes.

“He’s got a pretty solid arm swing and he’s hitting the ball with good velocity and hitting from pretty high (above the net and blocks) so that’s one aspect,” Gavlas explains. “And, secondly, it’s just his mental approach to the game. He’s pretty focused and dedicated to playing. He enjoys playing — you can see it on his face when he’s out there. He’s just responding very well to the situations and the matches.

“In general, for the majority of time he’s out there, he’s looking more like a polished veteran. I mean, there are a few things here and there that he needs to work on, which is natural, but certainly he’s playing a little bit beyond his years, so to speak.”

With only three weekends remaining and six matches to play prior to playoffs, Mortensen and the Huskies hope to play beyond the regular season.

“If we go hard this weekend, and get some wins there, it will really go a long way and then we’ll try and get some wins against some good teams the last two weekends of the season,” adds Mortensen.

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